Final answer:
The focus has been on aspects of London's social history related to urbanization, sanitation, disease, the uncovering of lives of the marginalized, and the changing public roles of women such as Jane Addams and Janie Porter Barrett.
Step-by-step explanation:
In recent weeks, the aspects of the social history of London that have been examined include topics such as urbanization, living conditions during the past centuries, especially regarding inadequate housing, sanitation, and transportation, which led to environmental degradation and psychological stress.
This investigation would include analyzing the impact of rapid population growth and urbanization on a city whose infrastructure was unprepared for such an influx, as illustrated by the conditions in London during the 1840s.
Through sources like church records, newspaper archives, and court hearings, scholars have been able to uncover the experiences of historically marginalized groups, providing a more inclusive account of the past, moving history studies from a top-down approach to a more bottom-up perspective that prioritizes the experiences of the poor, the illiterate, and minority communities.
Another focus has been the role of diseases, like the plague, and how factors such as impure drinking water and poor sanitation contributed to their spread throughout London's history. The study of urban vice districts and why they were tolerated also offers insights into the social history and morality of the period.
Moreover, figures such as Jane Addams and Janie Porter Barrett, and their contributions to the social history and urban development, demonstrate the evolving role of women in public life, challenging traditional notions of a separate sphere for female activities.